The Jamaica Foundation for Lifelong Learning (JFLL) will host a graduation ceremony in October for the first cohort of students who were successful in five Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects.

This was achieved under its two-year-old High School Diploma Equivalency (HSDE) programme.

Addressing a recent JIS ‘Think Tank’, deputy executive director and director of education services Dr Grace-Camille Munroe said participants took part in the proficiency level of the HSDE programme, where they were required to pass five CSEC subjects – Mathematics, English Language, social studies, integrated science and information technology – to qualify for a high school diploma.

The HSDE is the flagship programme of the JFLL, and according to Dr Munroe, there is a place for adult learning and education. The HSDE is a general education programme for adult learners aged 17 or older. It caters to individuals who have exited the formal education system and require a second chance to access adult education to attain certification as high-school graduates.

Dr Munroe pointed out that there are three levels within the programme – basic, intermediate and proficiency. At the basic level, learners will be taught basic literacy, numeracy as well as English Language, Mathematics, life skills and information technology.

She explained that at the intermediate level, participants are exposed to high-school studies that include English Language, Mathematics, social studies, science and information technology.

At this level, the students will acquire the qualifications that will make them more employable or better able to transition to programmes offered by the HEART Trust/NTA to become certified skilled workers.

Meanwhile, at the proficiency level, students are equipped to complete high-school studies and prepare for CSEC subjects and are now able to transition to the tertiary level.

There are 6,700 adult learners enrolled in the JFLL programmes in 34 centres islandwide.

Dr Munroe said the aim is to increase the number of centres to 50 and enrolment of adult learners to 10,000 during 2017-2018.